The believers of Thessalonica:
Had a faith that works, a labor that loved, a hope that was
patient
They became followers→examples→witnesses
They turned to God, served Him, waited for Him
These actions assured Paul and the believers that they were truly saved. In what way did this first chapter of Thessalonians minister to you or challenge you?
I was both ministered to, and challenged. I was ministered by Paul's great love for the brethren and his constant prayers of thanksgiving for them. He didn't just ask the Lord for something for them, but really rejoiced over them in prayer.
ReplyDeleteOur group was challenged to come to the Lord with open hands lifted up, asking Him to show us the way we can have works of faith and labors of love this week. When we ask with open hands, they are more readily filled than closed fists. Sometimes those labors of love are to just sit before Him, the Word open, and soak in His unwavering favor upon us. It's so easy to think (wrongly) that we can add labors of love without going to the source of that love. What joy is ours, if we but go to Jesus. Then...the world will see our good works, and glorify our Father in heaven.